Postal offenses Published Dec. 24, 2008 By 52nd Communications Squadron SPANGDAHLEM AIR BASE, Germany -- Every American citizen at home and abroad has the right to expect their mail to be delivered on time and intact. U.S. law mandates mail should arrive unopened and in the mail receptacle for which it was intended. Each year, more than 213 billion pieces of mail are delivered to mailboxes around the world. Mail often contains jewelry, DVDs, credit card information and other valuable items that make mail theft an interesting proposition for some. Postal offenses violate laws, agreements, U.S. Postal Service and DoD regulations as well as jeopardize the security of mail and other USPS property. The penalties for tampering with U.S. mail can result in a prison sentence of up to five years in a federal facility, a fine of up to $250,000 or both. Although theft is the first thing that comes to mind when talking about postal offenses, there are other offenses that jeopardize the morale and safety of every citizen, and as such, are also subject to fines, jail time or both. 1. Mailing of illegal drugs or other prohibited matter to include but not limited to explosives, poison or any visual depiction involving a minor engaging in sexually explicit conduct - Any of these offenses could result in a fine of not more than $5,000, imprisonment for not more than five years or both. 2. Theft, rifling, delay, destruction or interception of mail - Whoever steals, takes or obtains by fraud, any letter, postal card, package or bag from an authorized mail depository; opens, destroys or removes from such mail or anything contained herein is subject to a fine of not more than $2,000, imprisonment for not more than five years or both. Any person buying, receiving, concealing or unlawfully possessing mail matter or contents thereof, knowing same to have been stolen is also subject to punishment. 3. Altering, counterfeiting, forging, or fraudulently passing money orders and other postal paper - Under this title, individuals can be imprisoned not more than one year, receive a fine dependent on the amount of funds lost or both; if employed by the Postal Service, the offender will be imprisoned not more than three years, receive a fine dependent on the amount of funds lost or both. A person could even be found guilty as an accessory after the fact if they have knowledge that an offense against the U.S. Postal Service or Military Postal Service has been committed and fails to notify authorities. This also extends to assisting the offender to hinder or prevent his or her apprehension, trail or punishment. Simply put, if you know a crime has been committed, you are obligated to report it to the appropriate authorities. Mail is frequently a lifeline for the Eifel community, particularly for deployed warriors and their loved ones. The men and women of the Spangdahlem Post Office are dedicated to providing first class customer service and ensuring your mail reaches your receptacles on time every time.